Hamilton still imagines what Lauda would tell him: 'Give them a***holes!'

19:07, 04 Sep

Updated: 20:26, 04 Sep

byKada Sarkozi

Lewis Hamilton continues to pay tribute to Niki Lauda, as Ferrari is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Austrian's first Formula 1 title.

This weekend, Ferrari is honoring three-time world champion Niki Lauda with a special livery. Hamilton also unveiled a special helmet design, featuring the Austrian's name.

Now, the Briton shared a new post on social media, recreating a photo once taken of the former Ferrari driver at the Italian track.

In his caption, he wrote: "Dedicato a Niki" ("Dedicated to Niki").

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Hamilton still imagines what Lauda would say

Hamilton knew Lauda well, as the Austrian was Mercedes' non-executive chairman and co-owner until his passing ahead of the 2019 Monaco Grand Prix.

"Niki and I had an amazing relationship. When I joined Ferrari, I hadn’t even thought of Niki having driven at Ferrari. It was literally just because, as a kid, I watched Michael (Schumacher) and was a big fan of the team.

"I always looked at the reaction from the crowd every time Ferrari was on the podium – the passion was like no other team. I wanted to feel what that was like.

"Now having joined the team and learning more about the history, it’s amazing this weekend, because I got to celebrate Niki at Mercedes, I got to celebrate winning championships with him, and now to be able to come to Ferrari and celebrate him here too."

Hamilton has fond memories of Lauda, and revealed a special saying he used to tell him.

"His legacy continues to live on. I know what he would be saying to me nowadays, and he’s always in the back of my mind, that thought.

"When I didn’t do well, he would do this and he’d tell me to “give them hell” – but he would always say the word ‘a***holes’!

"I never understood it at first. I’d say “what do you mean? Do you mean give them hell?” and he would say no “give them a***holes!”. But he was just such a fighter," the Briton concluded.